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NTSB Report

December 19, 2016 · Cessna 182 A · N5954B

Apple Valley, CA

Overview

Report Status
Final with probable cause
Event Type
Accident
Date
December 19, 2016
Injury Outcomes
2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Location
Apple Valley, CA
Aircraft
Cessna 182 A (1956)
Tail Number
N5954B
Injuries
Serious
Aircraft Damage
Substantial
NTSB Number
GAA17CA098

The pilot of the single-engine airplane reported that, after traveling about 270 nautical miles (nm) to the destination airport, the pilot-controlled lighting would not illuminate when activated. The pilot diverted to an alternate airport that was 40 nm to the northeast, but the pilot reported that runway lighting was not available at the alternate airport. The pilot reported that he decided to fly about 70 nm southwest to another alternate airport, but the engine quit even though the fuel indicator showed that 1/4 tank of fuel remained. He reported that he entered a descending left turn, that he leveled the wings with no flaps, and that the airspeed was about 52 kts. The pilot recalled that the airplane landed hard and nosed over after the nose landing gear and propeller struck a berm. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the firewall, and empennage. During the airplane recovery, the fuel selector was photographed in the right wing tank position. The left tank did not have any fuel in the tank, and the right tank contained about 2 cups of fuel. According to the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) avionics inspector present during the examination of the airplane's radios and antennas, no failures or malfunctions were identified. According to the FAA Airport Facility Directory, both the destination and diversion airports were equipped with medium intensity runway lighting, and the first airport the pilot diverted from was equipped with precision approach path indicator lights. No NOTAMS pertaining to lighting were issued at these airports on the date of the accident. The pilot reported that there were no preaccident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

NTSB Probable Cause

The pilot’s mismanagement of the available fuel, which resulted in a loss of engine power and a subsequent hard, off-airport landing and nose-over.

Full Narrative

The pilot in command (PIC) of the single-engine airplane reported that after traveling about 270 nautical miles (nm) to their destination airport, the pilot controlled lighting would not illuminate when activated. The PIC diverted to an alternate airport that was 40 nm to the northeast, but the PIC reported that runway lighting was not available at the alternate airport. The PIC reported that he decided to fly about 70 nm southwest to another alternate airport, but the engine quit although the fuel indicator showed ¼ tank of fuel remained. He reported that he entered a descending left turn, he leveled the wings, no flaps and the airspeed was about 52 kts. The PIC recalled that the airplane landed hard, and nosed over after the nose landing gear and propeller struck a berm. Substantial damage was sustained to both wings, the firewall, and empennage. During the airplane recovery, the fuel selector was photographed in the right wing tank position. The left tank did not have any fuel in the tank, and the right tank contained about 2 cups of fuel. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Avionics Inspector present during the examination of the airplane's radios and antennas, no failures or malfunctions were identified. According to the Federal Aviation Administration Airport Facility Directory, both airports were equipped with Medium Intensity Runway Lighting, and the first airport the PIC diverted from was equipped with Precision Approach Path Indicator lights. There weren't any notices to airman for the above mentioned airports, pertaining to lighting the date of the accident. The pilot reported that there were no pre-accident mechanical malfunctions or failures with the airplane that would have precluded normal operation.

Flight

Event TypeAccident
Event Time18:40 PST
Nearest AirportApple Valley (2nm NE)
Flight Plan FiledVFR
Flight Plan ActivatedYes
Aircraft FireNo
Aircraft ExplosionNo

Aircraft

AircraftCessna 182 A
Tail NumberN5954B
Aircraft CategoryAir
DamageSubstantial
Operating RulePart 91
Engines1
Engine TypeReciprocating
Engine DetailsCont Motor · O-470 · Reciprocating · 230
Seats4

People & Injuries

Injury Summary2 injuries (1 serious injury, 1 minor injury)
Fatal0
Serious1
Minor1
Uninjured0
Total2
Crew 1Age 70 · Third Class · Serious

Conditions

ConditionsVMC
LightDusk
WindCalm
Visibility10 sm
CeilingNone
Temperature / Dew Point19 C / 12 C
Altimeter30.26 inHg
Observation Time14:35
Weather SourceWFAC

Appendix: Source Data